A dehumidifier is a device that removes moisture from the air. One may temporarily become necessary during seasonal humidity increases or after water intrusion from flood waters, broken pipes, or fire-fighting efforts. In humid climates, some people choose to keep one running all the time. In both cases, it is important to be thorough when cleaning a dehumidifier.
There are different types of dehumidifiers, each suited for different environments and moisture levels. How you clean a dehumidifier relies somewhat on the type you have, which may be:
- Refrigerant (Compressor) Dehumidifiers. These work by cooling the air to remove moisture. They are ideal for residential and commercial spaces in warm, humid climates.
- Desiccant Dehumidifiers. Using moisture-absorbing materials, these work well in colder environments and industrial settings where low humidity is needed.
- Whole-House Dehumidifiers. These units are designed to integrate with HVAC systems and manage humidity levels throughout an entire building.
- Portable Dehumidifiers. These units are convenient for small areas, individual rooms, basements, and crawl spaces.
- Industrial Dehumidifiers. These powerful machines can handle excessive moisture levels after large-scale water damage.
Why Clean a Dehumidifier?
Dehumidifiers play an important role in controlling moisture levels, helping to prevent mold growth and reduce unpleasant odors. Routine cleaning helps maintain your dehumidifier’s efficiency, prevents mold and bacteria buildup, and extends the unit’s lifespan.
A well-maintained dehumidifier operates more efficiently, removing excess moisture from the air while consuming less energy. Neglecting dehumidifier maintenance can lead to foul odors, reduced performance, and damage to the internal components of the machine.
Excessive Moisture Levels in Your Home? ATI Restoration Can Help.
When excess moisture threatens your prosperity, ATI Restoration is here to help with professional dehumidification services. Contact us right away to get started. With our 24-Hour Emergency Response service, we can send a team of highly trained water damage specialists to carefully assess the situation, craft a restoration plan, and return your home to the safe, clean, and welcoming place it is meant to be.
How to Clean a Portable Dehumidifier
Regular maintenance of your dehumidifier helps to ensure optimal performance. If you live in a humid climate and run your until frequently, it may be necessary to clean your dehumidifier weekly.
Here are five simple steps to clean a dehumidifier that can be moved from room to room:
Before cleaning, always turn the dehumidifier off and make sure it’s unplugged. Remove the water collection bucket and any detachable filters or panels. Check the manufacturer’s manual for specific disassembly instructions.
The water collection bucket can develop mold and bacteria if not cleaned regularly. Wash it with warm, soapy water, then sanitize it with a mixture of white vinegar or mild bleach and water. Be sure to rinse thoroughly and dry completely before reassembling.
A clogged filter will reduce efficiency and it may even exhaust the motor. Remove the air filter and wash it under warm water with a mild detergent. Let it air dry completely before reinserting it into the unit.
Dust and dirt can accumulate on the evaporator and condenser coils, affecting performance. Use a soft brush or vacuum to remove debris and wipe down the coils with a damp cloth. Also, clean the exterior housing with a microfiber cloth to remove mineral deposits and other debris.
If your dehumidifier has a continuous drain hose, ensure it remains free of clogs and buildup. Flush it with vinegar solution to remove mold or mineral deposits, then rinse with clean water.
How to Clean a Whole-House Dehumidifier
Like portable dehumidifiers, whole-house dehumidifiers require regular maintenance. In humid environments, monthly maintenance of your dehumidifier may be necessary.
To clean a dehumidifier that is attached to your HVAC system, you will need to:
Before performing any maintenance, shut off the power to the dehumidifier. This may require switching off the main HVAC power to avoid all electrical hazards.
If your whole-house dehumidifier has an air filter, it will need periodic replacement or cleaning. Check the manufacturer’s guide to determine if cleaning or replacing the filter is recommended.
As with portable humidifiers, dust and debris can accumulate on evaporator and condenser coils of whole-house units, reducing efficiency. Remove dust with a vacuum and wipe the coils with a damp cloth.
Whole-house dehumidifiers typically have drain lines that direct collected moisture away from the unit. Flush this line with a vinegar solution to prevent clogs and mold.
Inspect the unit and connected ductwork for signs of leaks or blockages. Ensure the unit is operating correctly by monitoring humidity levels.
The Benefits of Professional Property Dehumidification
While a household dehumidifier may help to control daily humidity levels, severe water damage requires professional dehumidification services. This starts with a thorough evaluation of your property—including comprehensive moisture mapping—to ensure all areas requiring attention are identified.
ATI Restoration uses industrial-strength equipment designed to remove moisture quickly and completely from homes, businesses, and large structures. Our team of experienced, certified water damage specialists provides comprehensive dehumidification and restoration services, ensuring your property is restored to its pre-loss condition, or better, without delay.
Benefits of trusting ATI Restoration for your dehumidification needs include:
- Faster Drying Times. Industrial dehumidifiers extract moisture much more rapidly than consumer-grade models.
- Mold Prevention. Mold only takes about a day to bloom. Quickly reducing humidity levels minimizes the risk of mold.
- Structural Preservation. Like mold, rot and other types of structural damage can quickly follow water intrusion. Restoring humidity levels helps reduce the risk of secondary damage.
- Expert Monitoring. Our team tracks moisture levels throughout the drying process, helping to produce optimal results.
- Comprehensive Restoration. We offer both minor restoration and full-scale reconstruction services to repair any damage caused by excess moisture.
After Professional Dehumidification: Maintaining Ideal Humidity Levels Indoors
After your home has been returned to its original condition by the water damage experts at ATI Restoration, you can help to keep your property at optimal indoor humidity levels—typically between 30-50% to discourage mold growth—by:
- Using a hygrometer to monitor humidity
- Ensuring proper ventilation in kitchens, bathrooms, and basements
- Running exhaust fans when cooking or showering
- Using a whole-home dehumidifier or humidifier, depending on your region
- Inspect for leaks and water intrusion regularly
Remember, if you run a whole-house dehumidifier, it is important to clean it at least once a month, more frequently if you are using a portable unit. The better care you take to clean a dehumidifier, the healthier and more pleasant you can keep your indoor air quality.
ATI Restoration Is Here When You Need Us
When excess moisture threatens your property, turn to ATI Restoration. We are the nation’s largest family-owned water damage restoration firm, with over 70 offices nationwide. Our skilled team of certified restoration specialists is equipped to deal with even the most extreme water intrusion, handling all aspects from water extraction and dehumidification through complete reconstruction. Available 24/7/365, we are here to help whenever you need us most.
Contact ATI Restoration online or call your local office today to activate our 24-Hour Emergency Response service and request a property assessment. We have nearly four decades of experience helping families dealing with property damage get back to normal and on with their lives.